By Saniya Ghanoui -- July 8, 2010
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist announced a legislative session in order to get a constitutional ban for offshore oil drilling on the November ballot.
The ban would only be in effect for Florida waters. Crist said the special session will take place July 20 to July 23.
In order for the amendment to be added to the Florida constitution it will need at least 60 percent approval from voters when they vote in November.
According to Crist, the legislatures from the panhandle and other areas of the state that have been affected by the oil are supporting the ban. However, those in other parts of the state, where the oil has had little to no affect, are not being as cooperative.
Offshore drilling is currently banned by Florida statue, but that can be reversed by the legislature. If the constitutional ban is approved, Floridians would have to vote to ever have it reversed.
This year Crist switched from the Republican Party to the Independent Party and is currently running for Senate representing the state of Florida.
Crist's announcement comes at a time when the Obama administration is pressuring BP to move quicker to contain the oil, especially during this window of favorable weather.
The containment and cleanup process had been hindered by the influence of Hurricane Alex.
Two procedures, one being the implementation of a recovery ship capable of capturing 25,000 barrels of oil a day and the other being the deployment of a new better-fitting containment cap, have been delayed because of the weather.
However, the wind and waves are predicted to remain calm for the next week and the administration wants BP to complete both procedures simultaneously.
The swap of the containment caps can briefly cause an increase in the flow of oil and, in a letter to BP, the Obama administration asked how the company planned to carry out the procedures and how much oil the company can skim, burn or disperse during the cap change.
Government officials expect a response from BP by Friday.
(Photo courtesy: AP Images)
